Exclusive: Mica retail chairman resigns as business model changes

Jan Nicolson of Jan's Mica Hardware on the Isle of Skye steps down as chairman and resigns from the board of Mica DIY.

Mica DIY md Steve Ball explained: "Jan took over when the new company was formed and helped get us under starter's orders."

However, he continued: "after internal differences in management style within the business Jan Nicolson (John Alick Nicolson) took the decision to resign." Mr Nicolson was unavailable for comment. Existing board member David Morris, of Morris Mica Hardware in Alcester and Redditch, will act as interim chairman.

Mr Ball stressed that the appointment is only an interim measure until formal elections can be held and the membership vote for their representatives on the board. This is part of a complete restructure of the Mica business model, which will see it become a co-operative in the New Year.

Mr Ball explained: "We think the co-operative principles best reflect the new make-up and values of the business. We are now here totally for our members and will be 100% member-owned as opposed to the past when we have been 60% member owned. We will have a constitution drawn up to reflect that and will hold a national meeting in the New Year for members to approve that constitution and confirm the board elections."

Mr Ball said that the existing board, with the exception of Mr Nicolson, had "kindly offered to stay in place" until the elections in the spring.

The process of drawing up new membership criteria, which will see members commit more fully to the group, is now complete. Regional and individual member meetings to discuss the new criteria and to "get members signed up" are now in the latter stages.

Mr Ball told DIY Week that the new criteria would be fully implemented by the end of the year and would come into force as of January 1. It's difficult to judge how many members Mica will retain, but Mr Ball did say that the process had gone well and progress with members and suppliers moved on "almost daily" as "the level of support from solid Mica members has been tremendous".